All these individually, and collectively, contribute to the creation, building and enhancement of both the identity and brand of our University.
Official processes
This process includes creating a “brand manual and style guide” which is currently underway. This needs to be approved by MANCO, as the official institutional identity/branding policy framework and guidelines for Nelson Mandela University.
Since the process involves multiple applications of the brand – right from sandblasting on glass doors through to co-branding – it is necessarily lengthy and intricate. It is imperative, however, that this important once-off process is conducted and completed properly.
This also means allowing time for the design of the various templates that will be made available to all affected parties with the necessary guidelines. This will guide appropriate use and application of the brand and ensure that the Nelson Mandela University brand objectives are realised and the brand integrity is protected.
Adherence and correct use and application is particularly critical in the formative years of introducing a new brand identity, as failure to do so can lead to unnecessary dilution of the Nelson Mandela University brand, which we would all want to avoid.
We therefore ask for your understanding and patience as we complete brand manual design work and take it through the approval process.
Availability of new branding
In the interim, new-look PowerPoints, an electronic letterhead, email signatures and the new logos will be available from 21 July, the day after the launch. Exactly where they can be found online will be communicated after the launch.
Colleagues are also encouraged to contact Michelle Botha at michelle.bothma@nmmu.ac.za should they be in doubt of the process or in need of further assistance.
Using the full name
The name change offers us many opportunities. It is important that we leverage the value of the Nelson Mandela name – one of the best known names in the world. This name change will catapult Nelson Mandela University – or Mandela for short – into the select few universities like Oxford, Harvard, Yale and Cambridge that neither abbreviate their names nor use acronyms.
New name website
Please be reminded that all information relating to the new name can be found on the new name website http://newname.nmmu.ac.za
Communication and Stakeholder Liaison